Black birthmarks on babies, is it safe?
Birthmarks in babies are common. One of the highlights is a black birthmark that looks like a bruise. Even though it looks like a bruise, this black birthmark does not cause pain.
The medical term for this condition is congenital skin melanocytosis. In addition, black birthmarks are also called Mongolian spots.
This term comes from a German teacher named Edwin Baelz. As early as 1885, Baelz thought that this black birthmark was usually seen in Mongolia and non-Caucasians.
What causes black birthmarks?
In fact, black birthmarks have nothing to do with health problems. Dark spots appear when pigment is trapped in the skin layer.
During the process of embryo growth in weeks 11 to 14, melanocytes or pigment-producing cells are trapped in the lower layers of the skin. Then, the pigment cannot reach the surface and therefore has a black, gray or blue appearance.
Usually, black birthmarks begin to appear during the first week of the baby's age. Those who often experience it are dark skinned babies. Examples come from Asian, Middle Eastern, Hispanic, African and Indian races.
Data from the Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venomology and Leprology shows that black birthmarks appear in 9.5% of Caucasian babies, 46.3% of Hispanics and 96.5% of black babies.
Most black birthmarks are visible on the lower back and buttocks area. Sometimes the same sign also appears on the hands or feet.
Characteristics of Mongolian spots
To help distinguish black spots or black birthmarks from other wounds, here are some features:
- Irregular shape and low angle
- Measuring 2-8 cm
- Dark colors like black, blue or gray
- The texture is flat and combined with the surrounding skin
- Appears shortly after the birth of the baby
In addition to the features above, the spotted Mongol shape also looks like a punch mark. That is why many myths in the world are related to black birthmarks.
In Korea, for example, this black birthmark is considered a blow by the shamanic spirit Samshin Halmi, so the baby comes out of the mother's stomach. In China, black birthmarks are also seen as God's "blow" to start life.
Even in Japanese mythology, a black birthmark called asshirigaaoi is considered a result of sexual relations between father and mother during pregnancy. Is everything true? Of course, this is just a myth.
How do you get rid of black birthmarks?
Keep in mind that black birthmarks are completely harmless. Most birthmarks will disappear or disappear by themselves when a child is five years old. But in some cases, birthmarks still exist.
Considering that its existence does not interfere, there is no way to eliminate it.
However, if this is very desirable, treatments such as lasers can get rid of black birthmarks. It is recommended that this treatment be carried out before the child is 20 years old.
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